Sports shoes

The best sports shoes are the shoes that best suit your feet and activity. A novice jogger needs a completely different pair than someone who travels tens of miles every week. And a marathon runner, for example, needs different cushioning than someone who prefers to be on the treadmill in the gym. The following always applies: don’t be tempted by pretty colours. If you want to avoid injuries, it’s really important that you choose shoes that suit you and your running style. 

You just have to know yourself a little bit. Then, before you know it, you’ll have the right pair:

1. What type of runner are you: are you a recreational jogger or a marathon runner? Your activity determines the amount of cushioning you need. People who are a bit heavier also benefit from more cushioning. 
2. What type of foot do you have: the height of your arch, in particular, determines the way you walk and therefore also what kind of shoes you need. 
3. Which material do you prefer: would you rather have breathable mesh that wicks away your sweat quickly, or a water-repellent membrane for walks on muddy paths and through wet grass?
4. What fit do you need: does your running shoe fit like a glove? Always take enough time to try on different models!

The names are often used interchangeably and since many people also wear sports shoes as ‘regular’ trainers, you might think that they are the same. The difference is actually very simple: with sports shoes, you can actually start exercising, thanks to sufficient support, grip, and cushioning. Trainers are more likely to be worn in everyday life.

Think of it this way: you can walk to work or take a tour through the neighbourhood in (trendy) sports shoes without a problem. But we wouldn’t recommend a strenuous workout or running a marathon in trainers!

Don’t be tempted by flashy colours or the latest trendy models. The most important thing is that you choose sports shoes that are suitable for your activity and your foot type. 

Don’t know what type of foot you have? Then check out the way in which the soles of your current pair of sports shoes are worn out. If the outside shows the most wear, then you walk on the inside of the heel, which rolls outwards. You then have a high arch. If the inside of your heel and the ball of your foot are particularly worn out, then you have a low arch. In that case, you will benefit most from corrective shoes. 

Do you really want to know for sure? Then have a free 3D foot measurement and analysis carried out in one of our stores. This way, we can provide you with detailed information on what kind of foot you live on and we can give you targeted advice

On average, most sports shoes last between 600 and 1,000 kilometres. If you run 20 kilometres every week, you will reach that distance within a year. The cushioning of your shoe then decreases or even disappears altogether.

Even if you just leave your shoes in the closet and don’t use them, the cushioning is gone after about three years because the rubber in the sole hardens on its own. Compare it to an old rubber band: no longer stretchy, with cracks and tears. If you start walking in such an old pair, you put all the more strain on your joints and increase the risk of injuries. So keep track of how long you’ve had your sports shoes and treat yourself to a new pair in time!

Even if your running shoes still look perfect on the outside, they really need to be replaced after 1,200 kilometres. The cushioning effect is greatly reduced by then, and the shoes no longer function as they should. Worn soles, holes in the fabric and frayed edges are also clear signs that you’re ready for a new pair.